Bodalla residents can enjoy a hit of tennis on newly-refurbished courts. Pictured is Eurobodalla Council representatives and members of the Bodalla Tennis Club. Photo: Supplied.
With Wimbeldon in full swing, the Bodalla community is celebrating the refurbishment of the town’s tennis courts, perhaps a breeding ground for Australia’s next Ash Barty.
Looking at the end result, it’s easy to forget the bumpy road the project has traveled; collaboration on a number of fronts the key to meeting the challenges.
Following a review of the condition of the shire’s tennis courts in 2018, Eurobodalla Shire Council allocated funding in its 2018/19 budget to replace Bodalla’s two courts. However further investigation by specialist contractors revealed the courts would require a more comprehensive renovation.
With the project underfunded and in jeopardy, Council staff consulted the Bodalla Tennis Club committee to look at ways of finding additional funds to make sure the project could go ahead.
Club President Tony Burrett says its primary focus was to make the courts look their best for the next generation, not just current players.
“The club dug deep and contributed funds raised over the past few years and also made a successful approach to Bega MP Andrew Constance, who provided $10,000 in NSW Government funding,” Mr Burrett says.
“Council was able to meet the gap and now the community will enjoy the courts for many years to come thanks to some great community collaboration.”
The courts are used at least twice a week by the club, but Mr Burrett is encouraging more community members to grab and racquet and enjoy a hit of tennis.
“Our club facilitates a fun, social environment and we would love to see new members come on board,” he says.
“Tennis is great for maintaining physical and mental wellbeing and it’s a wonderful whole-of-life sport where people can continue playing well into their later years, unlike some other sports.”
Council’s Recreation Services Manager Mark Upson hopes Bodalla residents will make the most of the new courts.
“These new works will provide a quality tennis surface for the next 15 years and beyond, and act as a valuable sporting option for Bodalla residents and the wider community,” he says.
Bodalla Tennis Courts can be booked casually through Tyrrell’s Store in Bodalla. For more information about the Bodalla Tennis Club contact Michael Jones on 4473 8671.
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